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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

... with hardware in the loop. * Creation of software design documentation. Requirements * Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

Baker Group

Network Engineer - I.T.

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. * Proven ... Advanced understanding of networking hardware and software functionality ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

Baker Group

Sr. Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Knowledge of Ethernet and serial network communication formats and hardware configurations ... Computer systems: Windows, Linux, Command Line Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In ...

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD ... Hands-on experience in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing for hardware products * Direct ...

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA

Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD ... Hands-on experience in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing for hardware products * Direct ...

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD ... Hands-on experience in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing for hardware products * Direct ...

Baker Group

Sr. Industrial Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Knowledge of Ethernet and serial network communication formats and hardware configurations ... Computer systems: Windows, Linux, Command Line Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In ...

Baker Group

Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

... and hardware configurations • Understanding of basic process controls (i.e. PID control loops ... • Wireshark • Computer systems: Windows, Linux, Command Line Baker Group is an Equal ...

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All JobsComputer Hardware Engineer JobsComputer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$107.1K

$142.3K

$174.6K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Ames, IA is $142,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $167,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by computer hardware engineers in collaborative projects with software teams?

Computer hardware engineers often collaborate closely with software developers to ensure seamless integration between hardware components and software applications. A frequent challenge is aligning timelines and technical requirements, as hardware development cycles can differ from software schedules. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both disciplines are essential to address compatibility issues and meet project deadlines. Building strong cross-functional relationships helps resolve these challenges and leads to successful product development.

What Do Computer Hardware Engineers Do?

Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware components, such as screens, motherboards, and memory. They may also work with products that include a computer system, such as cars, home entertainment components, and appliances that connect to the internet. Your responsibilities include creating design drawings and collaborating with manufacturers to ensure the devices are produced to specifications. You may also work with software developers to ensure compatibility. You must be able to read and design technical drawings and be able to communicate effectively with all participants in the project.

What are computer hardware engineers?

Computer hardware engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work to ensure that computer hardware functions efficiently and integrates seamlessly with software. These engineers are often involved in research, prototyping, and overseeing the manufacturing of hardware equipment. Their work is crucial in advancing technology and improving the performance of computer systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Hardware Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, computer architecture, and circuit design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), CAD software, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco is often important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the effective design, testing, and optimization of reliable hardware systems that meet modern computing needs.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware Engineer vs Computer Network Architect?

AspectComputer Hardware EngineerComputer Network Architect
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA are commonBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like Cisco CCNP are typical
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and developing computer hardware; labs and engineering facilitiesDesigning and implementing network systems; offices and data centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturing, research labsTelecommunications, large enterprises, data centers

Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing and developing physical computer components, while Computer Network Architects plan and build data communication networks. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in technology-driven environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

More about Computer Hardware Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:
Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 52% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $142,326 per year, or $68.4 per hour.
Software Engineer - Computer Vision & Machine Learning

Software Engineer - Computer Vision & Machine Learning

RFA Engineering

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) supports industry-leading clients through the full software development lifecycle to build cutting-edge precision agriculture, machine guidance, vehicle automation and autonomy applications. We are seeking passionate, talented engineers to work on exciting projects using the latest tools and technologies including robotics, computer-vision, machine learning, IoT, cloud computing, and much more. Collaborate with a team of industry experts onsite at our client's world-class engineering center and contribute to developing innovative solutions that drive sustainable agriculture practices.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Software Engineer - Computer Vision & Machine Learning
RFA Engineering is seeking a Software Engineer in the field of Robotics, Perception, Vision Processing and Machine Learning to architect, develop and integrate new intelligent features into the next generation of agricultural and off-highway equipment.
Responsibilities
  • Develop machine learning and computer vision algorithms for automation and autonomy product development.
  • Design, implement, and optimize machine learning algorithms and computer vision solutions for production intent hardware. Work with Stereo, monocular cameras, Lidar, radar, edge compute devices.
  • Data collection and processing for CVML algorithms development. Utilize data-driven insights to inform your development process and improve models/algorithms.
  • Quickly learn new technologies, tools, and methodologies in the fields of computer vision and machine learning. Stay abreast of the latest research and trends, applying this knowledge to your work and sharing insights with the team.
  • Primary needs relating to theoretical geometric computer vision - involving concepts like singletons, SLAM (localization, mapping), triangulation, projective geometry, feature detection, depth estimation, camera models/calibration/rectification
  • Secondary needs relating to Machine Learning algorithm development. All aspects of model architecture development including: problem definition, data collection/prep, model selection, architecture design, training , evaluation, optimization, deployment, monitoring/maintenance.

Technical Qualifications:
  • Experience with data visualization, data management, data querying (eg SQL, Tableau, PowerBI, matplotlib)
  • Experience developing and understanding computer vision and machine learning algorithms (models development in pytorch, tensorflow, experience with linear algebra, optimization etc.)
  • Ability to quickly learn state of the art technologies, state of the art research in the domains of computer vision, AI, robotics and be able to implement.
  • Competent in generating, interpreting, and communicating statistical data well and measuring the right statistics to answer the right questions
  • Comfortability reading documentation to read and write good code
  • Proficiency in C++ and/or Python.
  • Experience with Databricks, AWS, cloud
  • Technical expertise matters less in comparison to intelligence, work ethic, and willingness to learn.

Personal Qualification
  • Exceptional work ethic and willingness to learn.
  • Trailblazing spirit: Eager to solve problems in the autonomous robotics and AI space that have never been solved before.
  • Passionate about artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, autonomy, and automation.
  • Eager to OWN work fully and to make decisions with autonomy to deliver.

Pay Range: $70,000-$140,000 - Commensurate with experience
Visa Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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